ATS-Friendly CV Writing: 2025 Guidelines

In today’s competitive job market, submitting a well-structured, ATS-friendly CV can make all the difference between landing an interview or having your application discarded. Many companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and rank candidates, meaning your CV must be optimised for these systems to increase your chances of success. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ATS-friendly CV writing in 2025, from understanding how these systems work to formatting tips and keyword strategies.

What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter in 2025?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to manage job applications. It scans, filters, and ranks CVs based on set criteria, including keywords, formatting, and experience relevance.

With over 98% of Fortune 500 companies using ATS software, ensuring your CV is compatible with these systems is essential. In 2025, ATS technology has become even more sophisticated, using AI-powered algorithms to assess applications with greater accuracy.

If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be rejected before a human recruiter ever sees it.

Read more: How to Land Your First HR Job in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

How ATS Works: The CV Screening Process Explained

An ATS scans and ranks CVs based on a job’s requirements. Here’s how it works:

1. Parsing – The system breaks down your CV into sections like work experience, education, and skills.
2. Keyword Matching – It searches for relevant keywords that align with the job description.
3. Ranking – Based on keyword frequency, relevance, and formatting, the ATS assigns a score to your CV.
4. Shortlisting – Only CVs that meet a threshold score are forwarded to recruiters.

Understanding this process helps in structuring your CV effectively to ensure it gets through the initial screening.

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Choosing the Right CV Format: Chronological vs. Functional

The format of your CV significantly impacts its ATS-friendliness. Here are the two most effective types:

• Chronological CV – Lists work experience in reverse order (most recent first). This is preferred by ATS and recruiters alike as it clearly shows career progression.
• Functional CV – Focuses on skills rather than work history. While this format can be ATS-friendly, some systems struggle to parse non-traditional layouts.

For 2025, a hybrid format (a mix of chronological and functional) is often recommended to balance keyword optimisation with readability.

Best File Formats for ATS Optimisation

To ensure your CV is readable by ATS, always use an appropriate file format. The safest options are:

• .docx (Microsoft Word) – The most ATS-friendly format.
• .pdf – Accepted by most ATS systems but some older versions may struggle with complex layouts.
• .txt – Universally readable but lacks formatting, which may reduce readability for recruiters.

When in doubt, a Word document (.docx) is the best choice for both ATS and human review.

Read more: AI-Powered Project Management: How UK Professionals Are Adapting in 2025

Keyword Optimisation: Beating the ATS Algorithms

Keywords play a crucial role in ATS-friendly CV writing. Here’s how to optimise your CV effectively:

• Use job-specific keywords – Extract relevant keywords from the job description.
• Incorporate keywords naturally – Avoid keyword stuffing; instead, integrate them seamlessly into your content.
• Include variations – Use synonyms and related terms (e.g., ‘project management’ and ‘project coordination’).
• Optimise job titles – If your previous job title differs from the industry standard, include both (e.g., ‘Digital Marketing Specialist (SEO Expert)’).

Proper keyword placement ensures your CV is picked up by ATS while remaining engaging to human readers.

Essential Sections Every ATS-Friendly CV Must Have

A well-structured CV increases the likelihood of passing ATS screening. Ensure your CV includes the following:

1. Personal Information – Name, phone number, and email. Avoid images and fancy graphics.
2. Professional Summary – A brief, keyword-rich introduction highlighting your skills and experience.
3. Work Experience – List positions in reverse chronological order with bullet points highlighting achievements.
4. Skills Section – Include hard skills relevant to the job.
5. Education – Clearly state degrees, certifications, and relevant training.
6. Additional Sections (if applicable) – Certifications, volunteer experience, and languages can add value.

Keeping your CV structured and easy to parse ensures both ATS and recruiters can quickly assess your qualifications.

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Common Mistakes That Get CVs Rejected by ATS

Even small errors can prevent your CV from passing through an ATS. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Overusing tables, images, and graphics – ATS systems struggle to read complex layouts.
• Using fancy fonts – Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Including irrelevant keywords – Stuffing keywords without context can backfire.
• Submitting the wrong file format – Always use .docx or a compatible PDF.
• Using headers and footers – Some ATS software ignores text placed in these sections.

By avoiding these pitfalls, your CV stands a much better chance of making it to the recruiter’s desk.

Design and Formatting Tips for an ATS-Friendly CV

While design matters, simplicity is key when optimising for ATS. Follow these best practices:

• Use clear headings – Label sections correctly (e.g., ‘Work Experience’, ‘Education’).
• Keep it clean and structured – Use bullet points and consistent formatting.
• Avoid excessive formatting – No text boxes, tables, or graphics.
• Stick to standard fonts and sizes – Use 10-12 pt font size in professional typefaces.
• Ensure proper spacing – Maintain readability with adequate spacing between sections.

A well-structured, professional-looking CV improves readability for both ATS and hiring managers.

Read more: Hybrid Project Management: The Future of UK Project Delivery

Human vs. Machine: Ensuring Your CV Appeals to Both Recruiters and ATS

While optimising for ATS is essential, your CV must also appeal to recruiters. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Use a professional summary – This should be compelling and keyword-rich but engaging.
• Highlight achievements – Use quantifiable results to showcase your impact (e.g., ‘Increased sales by 30%’).
• Keep it concise – Aim for a maximum of two pages.
• Proofread thoroughly – Spelling errors can affect ATS ranking and make a poor impression on recruiters.
• Use natural language – Avoid excessive jargon; keep it clear and concise.

A recruiter-friendly CV ensures that once your application passes the ATS, it still makes a strong impact.

Free ATS Resume Checkers and Tools to Use in 2025

To test whether your CV is ATS-friendly, use these tools:

1. Brand Me 4 Job – Get free report on your existing CV & get entire package of Personal Branding including an ATS-optimised CV
2. Jobscan – Compares your CV against job descriptions.
3. ResyMatch.io – Offers ATS compatibility checks.
4. Zety Resume Builder – Provides ATS-friendly templates.
5. Resume Worded – Gives feedback on ATS readability.

These tools help ensure your CV meets ATS standards before submission.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, ATS-friendly CV writing is more important than ever. By understanding how ATS systems work, optimising keywords, and using the right formatting techniques, you can significantly improve your chances of securing job interviews.

To recap:
✅ Use a clean, structured format with proper headings.
✅ Optimise keywords based on job descriptions.
✅ Avoid images, tables, and non-standard fonts.
✅ Balance ATS compatibility with human readability.

By implementing these guidelines, you’ll ensure your CV not only passes through ATS filters but also impresses recruiters, setting you up for career success.

Would you like a tailored CV template based on these tips? Let us know! 🚀

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